Charles Preston Cowan, Jr

Charles Preston Cowan, Jr., of Victoria, Texas died Thursday following complications from a stroke. He is survived by his wife, Renea, and five children: Christy Bennett, Charlotte Cowan, Gregory Cowan, Shane Martin and Ali Cowan.

Charlie was born January 1, 1946, to C.P. Cowan, Sr., and Alice Pickler Cowan in Salisbury, North Carolina. At a young age, he developed a deep love for golf by watching his father—a passion that would serve as a guiding light throughout his life. Charlie graduated from Boyden High School in 1964 and later earned a degree in Theology from Wake Forest University, also contributing to two ACC College Golf Championships for the Demon Deacons. Following college, he served in the United States Army in Holland during the Vietnam War, where he taught golf to soldiers on leave. Charlie won the 1971 Army Golf Tournament in Europe before being honorably discharged later that year.

After returning home, Charlie became a PGA Golf Professional and developed unique training programs, sold golf clubs with Ben Hogan and then Henry-Griffitts, and participated in tournaments nationwide. Charlie loved teaching golf and found purpose every day in sharing his passion for the sport with his students, always encouraging them to improve. Charlie pursued his profession with golf schools across the Southern United States and with students of all ages around the world, even holding a club fitting event in Australia.

Charlie loved Disney World because he said one’s imagination and their dreams could always come alive. One of Charlie’s favorite sayings was when his youngest child Ali, as a small child, asked him how old he was. With a smile, Charlie said “I’m old as dirt.” “How old is that, Daddy?” “15 million years.” Charlie would then laugh at Ali’s expression. His favorite poem was “My Mind to Me a Kingdom is,” by William Byrd, words which Charlie lived by.

Above all, Charlie was a loving and gentle father and husband. He was an artist with a golf club, an Eagle Scout who loved the natural world, and a born storyteller. He will be deeply missed.

Charlie’s family will hold a Celebration of Life Service at a later date.

Arrangements by Massey Funeral Home, Yorktown, 361-564-2900

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